4D/3N Glimpse of Bhutan (A)

Glimpse of Bhutan4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 1: Transfer to Thimphu Valley from Phuentsholing (6hrs drive)
After finishing all border formalities in Phuentsholing, a scenic drive takes you to the charming valley of Thimphu. Entire drive is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Sights on the way include a visit to Kharbandi Gompa, 4 km ahead of Phuentsholing. This is a beautiful monastery situated in garden of tropical plants and flowers. The monastery contains paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and plains of West Bangal and their tea gardens beyond. Lunch would be served en route. Upon arrival, check-in the Hotel. Evening take an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street, visiting shops, local market. It provides excellent opportunity to mingle with local people.

Altitude: 2400m
1 night stay in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu Valley Exploration
This morning you will head to the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and Royal offices. Then pay a visit to Zorig Chusum (where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan). Following lunch, pay a visit to the National Memorial Chorten to His late Majesty (King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck) followed by a visit to the Handicrafts Emporium, to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles and take a stroll through the streets for a little shopping. Evening, drive to Takin reserve , the national animal of Bhutan can be seen. This particular animal is found only in the Himalayan region and the head of this animal looks like that of a goat and body of a oxen and drive to Sangay gang view point(2685 meters) to have view the Thimphu valley Altitude: 2400m

1 night stay in Thimphu

Day 3: Transfer to Paro Valley/Hike Taktshang (1.5hrs drive)
Paro / Hike to Tiger’s Nest After breakfast we will drive towards north of Paro for a full day hike up to Taktsang lakhang, more commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest. It was established in the eighth century when Padmasambava, the country’s patron saint, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of his mythical tigress consort to meditate. The main buildings sit astride a sheer rock cliff face more than 2000m above the valley. The most prominent building burned to the ground in 1998, but was rebuilt with no visual architectural differences from its predecessor. Our hike begins at roughly 8,000 ft and goes to just over 10,000 ft. On reaching the main temple we will experience a once-in-a-lifetime view of the valley and the temple. After the hike we will return to the hotel for a farewell dinner.

Altitude: 2200m
1 night stay in Paro

Day 4: Depart Paro to onward Destination
After breakfast in the hotel, we will head to the airport in time to catch your departing flight. Your guide from the Smile Bhutan family will bid you farewell and the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom will again disappear behind its guardian mountain.